Integrative and Complementary Medicine Use in Adults With Chronic Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain, and Arthritis/Musculoskeletal Diseases

Abstract This chapter examines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in persons with chronic musculoskeletal diseases, chronic/rheumatoid arthritis, or disease-related symptoms (e.g., chronic neck or lower back pain). Recent research based on the analysis of patients reporting these conditions in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey and CAM use of any modality within the five National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health domains is summarized. Additional results stratified by levels of body mass index are presented for covariates based on race, region of residence, gender, and educational level.